In the Old Testament, male circumcision is clearly defined as a covenant between God and all Jewish males (given to Abraham Genesis 17:10-14). As a Jew, Jesus was himself circumcised (Luke 2:21; Colossians 2:11-12) although in the New Testament circumcision is not laid down as a requirement; instead, Christians are urged to be "circumcised of the heart" by trusting in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross.

As Christians, male circumcision (MC) is no longer a mandate unlike in the time of Abraham and this has made the church of today never bother to learn of the importance of MC both as individuals and as families.
 Male circumcision: True Legends are concerned about their health.
Male circumcision is the removal of the foreskin also known as prepuce i.e. a fold of skin that covers the end of the penis. Circumcision is usually performed on babies and young boys, but it can also be undertaken by adult men.

As a social scientist working with young people in relation to Sexual Reproductive Health, I got the chance of examining people’s response towards voluntary MC and it was so sad that most of them had “fear of the unknown”. MC is in two forms which are surgical and non-surgical. Surgical MC in older men unlike in new born babies is associated with pain (not severe) and due to that a non-surgical method was developed called PrePex. The PrePex is an elastic ring that crushes the foreskin into grooved plastic ring, causing it to die and drop off.

Below are the benefits of getting circumcised:
  • MC reduces the risk of developing urinary infections
  • MC reduces the chances of developing cancer of the penis.
  • Circumcised men have less chance of getting sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes and syphilis by 60%.
  • Circumcised man protects her partner from developing cervical cancer.
  • MC reduces the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause genital warts in both sexes, as well as cervical cancer in women.
  • MC is hygienic and keeps you clean and free from bacteria
As we celebrate FOOT PRINTS OF LEGENDS this TIYAMBUKE 1-5 September 2015; MAKE INFORMED decisions and stay health. Your HEALTH is your CONCERN…a future LEGEND is concerned about his health, that of his family and that of his partner.

By Tariro Rachel Masaraure (BSc Hons degree in Women’s and Gender Studies)
Bethel Worship Centre (Glory Ministries)
H.O.D BWC: Service Directors.